KR20150092247A - Glazing having electrically switchable optical properties - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention comprises a convertible functional element (4) connected in a planar manner to an outer pane of glass (1) through at least an outer pane of glass (1) and at least one thermoplastic film (12), wherein the thermoplastic film And at least one luminescent material (3).

Description

GLASSING HAVING ELECTRICALLY SWITCHABLE OPTICAL PROPERTIES < RTI ID = 0.0 >

The present invention relates to glazing having electrically switchable optical properties, a method for producing the same, and the use of a thermoplastic film having a light emitting material in such glazing.

Glazing with electrically convertible functional elements, in particular composite sheet glass, is known. The optical properties of the functional element may vary depending on the applied voltage. An example of this is the electrochromic functional element known from US 20120026573 A1 and WO 2012007334 A1. Another example is the SPD functional element (floating particle device) known from EP 0876608 B1 and WO 2011033313 A1, for example. The transmittance of visible light through electrochromic or SPD functional elements can be controlled by the applied voltage. In this way, glazing with such functional elements can conveniently be electrically galvanized.

Many switchable functional elements have limited long-term stability. This is particularly the case for outdoor glazing where functional elements are exposed to solar radiation, for example the functional elements of the building facade or motor vehicle sector. Radiation with a short wavelength portion of the visible range of solar radiation as well as the ultraviolet portion of the spectrum, especially with wavelengths less than about 410 nm, results in aging of the functional element. Aging can be expressed, for example, by non-aesthetic discoloration or color change of the functional element, which can be homogeneous or even heterogeneous. However, aging can also lead to deterioration of the functionality of the switchable functional element, in particular, reduced contrast between switched states.

One obvious choice for protecting switchable functional elements from UV radiation and short wavelength visible radiation is to incorporate, for example, a UV blocker or UV absorber either as a coating or in a polymer film to be included in the glazing. Such a solution is known, for example, from WO 2012/154663 A1. UV screening filters ultraviolet radiation from solar radiation as well as radiation in the short wavelength visible range. Thus, certainly, the functional element is protected from aging; Resulting in a distinct color change to yellow color of the light passing through the glazing. These color changes are un-aesthetic, and are not typically allowed by automobile manufacturers. In addition, such UV screening agents reduce the transmittance of visible light through the glazing.

It is an object of the present invention to provide glazing with electrically switchable optical properties with protection of functional elements convertible from radiation in the UV range and short wavelength visible range. Glazing should have a high transmittance in the visible spectrum and a low color change in the light passing through it.

The object of the present invention is achieved by a glazing having an electrically switchable optical characteristic according to claim 1, which is an independent claim according to the invention. Preferred embodiments are revealed from the dependent claims.

The sheet glass according to the present invention having electrically switchable optical properties comprises at least the following properties:

- Outer pane glass, and

A convertible functional element bonded to the outer pane of glass via at least one thermoplastic film,

Here, the thermoplastic film contains at least one luminescent material.

The sheet glass (or sheet glass arrangement) according to the present invention is preferably intended to separate the interior from the external environment, for example at the opening of a motor vehicle or a building. In the context of the present invention, the outer pane of glass in the installed position is directed to the external environment. The switchable functional elements are arranged on the inner side of the outer plate glass. This means that the outer pane glass is arranged between the exterior environment and the switchable functional elements. In principle, of course, the glazing according to the invention can also be used inside the building, in particular when protection from UV radiation is needed inside the building. The outer sheet glass is then arranged between the UV radiation source and the functional element.

In the context of the present invention, the term "glazing with electrically switchable optical properties" means that the optical properties, e.g. the transmittance of visible light, can be switched between two discretely states, It does not mean only. It also includes glazing where the optical properties can be continuously adjusted.

The sheet glass according to the present invention comprises at least one thermoplastic film containing at least one luminescent material. According to the present invention, the thermoplastic film having a luminescent material is arranged in surface bonding at least between the outer plate glass and the convertible functional element. The thermoplastic film may include other regions that are not arranged between the outer pane glass and the functional element. The thermoplastic film may, for example, protrude beyond the functional element.

Thus, the sunlight passing through the glazing from the external environment first encounters the thermoplastic film with the luminescent material and then the functional element. Representative thermoplastic films are not transparent to ultraviolet radiation below a certain threshold wavelength that is dependent on thermoplastics. Thus, this portion of the UV portion of the sun radiation does not strike the functional element and can not cause aging. The short wavelength portion of the visible spectrum as well as the UV radiation above the threshold wavelength is absorbed by the luminescent material and thus can not cause aging of the functional element (or can cause aging only to a considerably reduced extent). In the context of the present invention, the term "short-wavelength portion of visible range" means in particular a radiation of 410 nm or less. It has been found that the protection of functional elements from radiation, in particular in the wavelength range of 380 nm to 410 nm, results in a significantly reduced aging of the functional element.

However, in contrast to conventional UV screening agents, radiant energy is not simply filtered from the sun radiation. Instead, the luminescent material emits a part of the radiant energy as a luminescent radiation having a wavelength larger than that of the absorbed radiation. First, less color change of light passing through the glazing is obtained, compared to conventional UV screening agents. Next, a higher transmittance of visible light is obtained. These are major advantages of the present invention.

The electrically switchable functional element comprises at least one active layer having switchable optical properties. The active layer is arranged in surface bonding between the outer transparent flat electrode and the inner transparent flat electrode. The outer flat electrode faces the outer plate glass, and the inner flat electrode faces away from the outer plate glass. The flat electrode and the active layer are typically arranged in parallel to the surface of the outer plate glass. The flat electrodes are electrically connected to the external power source in a manner known per se. The electrical contact is realized by a suitable connecting cable, for example a foil conductor, which is optionally connected to a flat electrode through a so-called bus bar, for example a strip of electrically conductive material or an electrically conductive print.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the active layer of a convertible functional element, preferably a convertible functional element, contains at least one organic material, for example a glass substrate. This active layer is particularly sensitive to aging from UV radiation. By means of the thermoplastic film according to the invention with a luminescent material, these functional elements are particularly effectively protected from aging.

The thermoplastic film according to the invention contains at least one thermoplastic polymer, preferably ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and / or polyvinyl butyral (PVB), particularly preferably polyvinyl butyral. These thermoplastic films have low transparency in the UV range and are well suited for inclusion of luminescent materials. However, the thermoplastic film can also be at least one selected from the group consisting of, for example, polyurethane, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polyacetate resin, Fluorinated ethylene propylene, polyvinyl fluoride, and / or ethylene tetrafluoroethylene.

The thickness of the thermoplastic film is preferably 0.2 mm to 2 mm, particularly preferably 0.3 mm to 1 mm, for example 0.38 mm or 0.76 mm. This is particularly advantageous with respect to the low thickness of the glazing, the stable bonding between the outer pane glass and the functional element, and the protection from UV radiation and short wavelength visible light.

In the context of the present invention, the term "luminescent material" particularly includes luminescent pigments and luminescent dyes. The luminescent material may be embodied as, for example, an organic and / or inorganic luminescent compound, an ion, an aggregate and / or a molecule.

The luminescent material preferably has a local excitation maximum in the range of 350 nm to 450 nm, particularly preferably in the range of 380 nm to 420 nm. In this way, radiation in the UV range and the short wavelength visible range is particularly advantageously absorbed.

The luminescent material preferably has a local emission maximum in the range of 410 nm to 600 nm, particularly preferably in the range of 430 nm to 500 nm. This is particularly advantageous for small color changes of light passing through the glazing.

The luminescent material is preferably a compound represented by the formula R ₁ -COO-Ph (OH) _x -COO-R ₂ wherein R ₁ and R ₂ are alkyl or allyl radicals having 1 to 10 C atoms, Ph is a phenyl ring , OH is a hydroxyl group bonded to a phenyl ring, and x is an integer of from 1 to 4. The hydroxyalkyl terephthalate of formula The general structural formula is:

Such luminescent materials have particularly advantageous absorption and emission characteristics, are permanently stable, and can be easily incorporated into thermoplastic films.

The luminescent material preferably contains diethyl 2,5-dihydroxyterephthalate. The structural formula is:

This gives particularly good results.

However, the luminescent pigment may also be a benzopyran, naphthopyran, 2H-naphthopyran, 3H-naphthopyran, 2H-phenanthropyran, 3H-phenanthropyran, photochromic resins, coumarin, xanthine, naphthalic acid derivatives Y2O3: Eu, YVO4: Tm, Y2O2S: Pr, Gd2O2S: Tb, and / or the like, Or a mixture thereof.

The luminescent material is preferably included in the thermoplastic film. The average concentration of the luminescent material in the thermoplastic film is preferably 0.1 kg / m 3 to 20 kg / m 3, particularly preferably 1 kg / m 3 to 7 kg / m 3. Within this range of the concentration of the luminescent material, particularly effective protection of the functional element from aging is obtained.

The luminescent material is preferably homogeneously distributed over the entire area of the thermoplastic film.

The thermoplastic film preferably does not contain a UV blocking agent. In the context of the present invention, the term "UV blocker" means a material which absorbs radiation in the UV range and / or short wavelength visible range and emits absorbed radiation energy non-exclusively, in particular by thermal relaxation. Thermoplastic films without UV screening have a particular advantage of high transmittance in the visible spectrum and small color changes in light passing through the glazing.

Of course, the glazing according to the invention may also contain more than one thermoplastic film with a luminescent material.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the convertible functional element is contained in a multilayer film having optically switchable optical properties. The multi-layer film contains a convertible functional element in surface bonding between the first carrier film and the second carrier film. The multilayer film contains at least one carrier film, one flat electrode, one active layer, another flat electrode and another carrier film in the indicated order. The carrier film is bonded to the outer pane glass through at least a thermoplastic film, and the thermoplastic film contains at least a light emitting substance. The advantage lies in the simple manufacture of glazing. The carrier film advantageously protects the functional element from damage, in particular from corrosion.

The carrier film preferably contains at least one thermoplastic polymer, particularly preferably polyethylene terephthalate (PET). This is particularly advantageous with respect to the stability of the multilayer film. However, the carrier film can also be made of, for example, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and / or polyvinyl butyral (PVB), polypropylene, polycarbonate, polymethylmethacrylate, polyacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, Resins, casting resins, acrylates, fluorinated ethylene propylene, polyvinyl fluoride, and / or ethylene tetrafluoroethylene. The thickness of each carrier film is preferably 0.1 mm to 1 mm, particularly preferably 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm. The total thickness of the glazing is only marginally increased by the carrier film having such a low thickness.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the glazing is a composite sheet glass made of a functional element having an electrically switchable optical characteristic arranged in face-to-face relationship between an outer sheet glass and an inner sheet glass, and an outer sheet glass and an inner sheet glass. The term "inner pane glass" refers to a pane of glass facing inward from its installed location.

When the glazing according to the present invention is a composite sheet glass, in one embodiment, the convertible functional element is applied on the inner side surface of the inner pane glass. The term "inner side surface" means the surface of the inner side glass plate facing the outer side glass.

When the glazing according to the present invention is a composite sheet glass, in one embodiment, the convertible functional element is provided as a multilayer film having electrically convertible optical properties. The multi-layer film contains a convertible functional element in surface bonding between the first carrier film and the second carrier film. One carrier film is bonded to the outer pane glass through at least one first thermoplastic film and the other carrier film is bonded to the inner pane glass through at least one second thermoplastic film. At least the first thermoplastic film contains a light emitting material. In principle, the second thermoplastic film may also contain a light emitting material. Preferably, the second thermoplastic film contains no luminescent material. This is advantageous in terms of economical manufacture of composite sheet glass. The advantage lies in the simple manufacture of composite sheet glass. Multilayer films with electrically switchable optical properties can be simply inserted into the composite during manufacture, which is then laminated using conventional methods to form a composite sheet glass. Advantageously, the functional element is protected from damage, in particular from corrosion, by the carrier film and can even be manufactured in relatively large quantities before the manufacture of the composite sheet glass, which may be desirable for economic and technical processing reasons.

In an advantageous embodiment, the multilayer film with electrically switchable optical properties has edge seal. The edge seal prevents diffusion of the chemical composition of the thermoplastic film into the active layer, e.g., a plasticizer. In this way, aging of switchable functional elements is reduced. The edge seal is for example embodied as a polyimide-containing film or foil, which surrounds and extends around the side edges of the multilayer film.

In principle, the functional element may be any electrically convertible functional element known per se to the skilled artisan. Of course, the present invention is particularly advantageous in terms of functional elements containing functionalized elements, especially organic materials, that undergo UV radiation and / or short wavelength visible radiation irradiation.

In one advantageous embodiment of the invention, the active layer of the functional element is an electrochemically active layer. These functional elements are known as electrochromic functional elements. The transmittance of visible light depends on the ion storage level of the active layer, and the ions are provided by, for example, an ion storage layer between the active layer and the flat electrode. The transmittance can be influenced by the voltage applied to the flat electrode which triggers the movement of the ions. Suitable functional layers include, for example, at least tungsten oxide or vanadium oxide. Electrochromic functional elements are known, for example, from WO 2012007334 A1, US 20120026573 A1, WO 2010147494 A1, and EP 1862849 A1.

In another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the active layer of the functional element contains a liquid crystal and the liquid crystal is contained, for example, in a polymer substrate. These functional elements are known as PDLC functional elements (polymer dispersed liquid crystals). When no voltage is applied to the flat electrodes, the liquid crystals are oriented in a disordered manner, resulting in strong scattering of light through the active layer. When a voltage is applied to the flat electrodes, the liquid crystals align themselves in a common direction, and the transmittance of light passing through the active layer is increased. Such functional elements are known, for example, from DE 102008026339 A1.

In another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the functional element is an electroluminescent functional element. The active layer contains an electroluminescent material, and the electroluminescent material may be inorganic or organic (OLED). The light emission of the active layer is excited by applying a voltage to the flat electrode. Such functional elements are known, for example, from US 2004227462 Al and WO 2010112789 A2.

In another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the active layer of the functional element contains suspended particles and the light absorption by the active layer is variable through application of voltage to the flat electrode. Such functional elements are known, for example, from EP 0876608 B1 and WO 2011033313 A1 as SPD functional elements (suspended particle devices).

Of course, the functional element may have other layers known per se in addition to the active layer and the flat electrode, such as a barrier layer, a barrier layer, an antireflection layer, a protective layer and / or a smoothing layer.

The area of the functional element may correspond to the area of the glazing. In that case, the advantageous homogenization of the glazing can be obtained by the switchable functional element. Alternatively, glazing may also have an edge area surrounding the periphery, for example with a width of 2 mm to 20 mm, and especially when this edge area is covered by a fastener element, frame, or print, No functional elements are provided in the area. In particular, when glazing is implemented as a composite sheet glass, the convertible functional element is advantageously protected from corrosion inside the interlayer.

The inner and / or outer flat electrodes are preferably designed as transparent electrically conductive layers. The flat electrode preferably contains at least a metal, a metal alloy, or a transparent conducting oxide (TCO). The flat electrode may be formed of, for example, silver, gold, copper, nickel, chromium, tungsten, indium tin oxide (ITO), zinc oxide doped with gallium or doped with aluminum, and / or tin doped with fluorine or doped with antimony Oxide. ≪ / RTI > The flat electrode preferably has a thickness of 10 nm to 2 占 퐉, particularly preferably 20 nm to 1 占 퐉, most particularly preferably 30 nm to 500 nm.

The outer pane glass and / or optionally, the inner pane glass is preferably a partially pre-stressed or pre-stressed glass, particularly preferably a flat glass, a float glass, a quartz glass, a borosilicate glass, Soda lime glass or clear plastic, preferably rigid clear plastic, especially polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polystyrene, polyamide, polyester, polyvinyl chloride, and / do. The outer and / or inner pane glasses can be clear and transparent and have, for example, a transmittance in the visible spectrum range of at least 70%, preferably at least 85%. However, the outer and / or inner pane glass can be tinted or colored and can have, for example, a transmittance in the visible spectrum range of 20% to 70%.

The thickness of the outer pane glass and, optionally, the inner pane glass can vary widely, thus meeting the requirements of the individual case. The outer and / or inner pane glass is preferably 0.5 mm to 15 mm, particularly preferably 1 mm to 5 mm, and most particularly preferably 1.5 mm to 3 mm, for example 1.6 mm, 1.8 mm or 2.1 mm .

The surface area of the glazing according to the invention can vary widely, for example from 100 cm 2 to 20 m 2. Preferably, the glazing has a surface area of from 400 cm 2 to 6 m 2 customary in glazing and construction and construction glazing of motor vehicles. Glazing can have any three-dimensional shape. The glazing is preferably flat or slightly or largely curved in one or more spatial directions.

In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the barrier film is arranged on the surface of the thermoplastic film having a luminescent material facing away from the outer pane glass. The barrier film advantageously prevents diffusion of the light emitting material into other films of the glazing. The barrier film preferably contains at least one polymer that is not sufficiently soft to allow diffusion of the luminescent material at a temperature that occurs during the manufacture and processing of the glaze. The barrier film may contain at least PET, for example.

In an advantageous embodiment, the infrared protection layer is arranged between the switchable functional element and the outer pane glass. In this way, the functional element is protected from the infrared radiation component of sunlight that can cause aging. The infrared protective layer can be applied, for example, on the outer pane glass or as a coating on the polymer film.

The film of the outer pane glass, the inner pane glass and / or the intermediate layer may be coated with other suitable coatings known per se, such as antireflection coatings, non-tacky coatings, scratch-resistant coatings, photocatalytic coatings, Lt; / RTI >

The transmittance of the thermoplastic film according to the present invention having a luminescent material in the wavelength range of 380 nm to 410 nm is preferably 10% or less.

The sheet glass according to the present invention preferably has a TUV (ultraviolet transmittance) value according to ISO 13837 (AM 1.5) of 1% or less.

In addition, the object of the present invention is to provide,

a) applying at least a luminescent material onto a thermoplastic film or incorporating it in a thermoplastic film,

b) arranging at least the outer pane glass, the thermoplastic film and the convertible functional element in face-to-face bonding such that one is on top of the other,

c) bonding the functional element to the outer pane of glass via a thermoplastic film,

This is achieved by a method for producing glazing having an optically switchable optical characteristic.

In method step (a), the luminescent material can be applied on a thermoplastic film using a solvent, for example by spraying, screen printing, offset printing, inkjet printing, and / or flexographic printing. The solvent preferably contains alcohols, ketones, esters, amines, amides and / or mixtures thereof. The solvent particularly preferably contains ethanol, tetrahydrofuran, and / or benzyl alcohol. Most of the solvent is lost by evaporation after application of the luminescent material. The amount of luminescent material applied is determined by the thickness of the thermoplastic film. Preferably, when the thermoplastic film has a thickness of 0.76 mm, the luminescent material is applied on the thermoplastic film in an amount of 0.1 g / m 2 to 15 g / m 2, particularly preferably 1 g / m 2 to 5 g / m 2. When the thermoplastic film is laminated between the outer pane glass and the inner pane glass, the luminescent material is preferably uniformly distributed in the thermoplastic film. The lamination is preferably carried out at a temperature of 120 캜 to 170 캜, for a period of 30 minutes to 240 minutes at a pressure of 10 bar to 15 bar.

However, the luminescent material may already be blended with the thermoplastic starting material prior to the preparation of the thermoplastic film. The luminescent material is then extruded together with the thermoplastic starting material to form the thermoplastic film according to the present invention and is contained in the thermoplastic film in this manner.

In method step (b), the functional element may be applied, for example, on the inner pane of glass. The surface of the inner pane of glass provided with the functional elements is then oriented in face-to-face relationship such that at least one of the inner pane glass, the thermoplastic film and the outer pane glass faces one another in the indicated order, with the thermoplastic film facing.

Alternatively, the functional element can be provided, for example, as a multilayer film having electrically switchable optical properties, and the actual functional element is arranged between the first carrier film and the second carrier film. The thermoplastic film can be arranged on the outer pane glass; The multilayer film can be placed on a thermoplastic film. When attempting to manufacture a composite sheet glass, at least an outer sheet glass, a first thermoplastic film, a multilayer film having electrically switchable optical characteristics, a second thermoplastic film and an inner sheet glass are arranged in the indicated order one on top of the other do. According to the present invention, the first thermoplastic film contains a luminescent material. The second thermoplastic film may or may not contain a luminescent material.

The electrical contact of the flat electrodes of the convertible functional element is preferably performed prior to forming the glazing according to the invention by combining the outer sheet glass and the functional element.

Process step (c) is preferably carried out under the action of heat, vacuum and / or pressure. Known methods per se, for example, an autoclaving method, a vacuum bag method, a vacuum ring method, a calendering method, a vacuum laminator or a combination thereof can be used for the laminating.

The sheet glass according to the present invention is preferably used in buildings, particularly in the area of the entrance or window, or in transportation means for land, public or water movement, in particular in trains, ships and motor vehicles, / ≪ / RTI >

The glazing unit according to the present invention can be connected to another plate glass to form an adiabatic glazing unit.

The present invention also relates to the use of at least one luminescent material in glazing with electrically switchable optical properties for the protection of functional elements convertible from radiation in the UV radiation and short wavelength visible range, in particular in the wavelength range of 380 nm to 410 nm, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > thermoplastic < / RTI >

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings and exemplary embodiments. The drawings are schematic representations and do not represent actual proportions. The drawings are not intended to limit the invention in any way.

1 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of glazing according to the present invention having electrically switchable optical properties.
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of glazing according to the present invention.
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of glazing according to the present invention.
4 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of glazing according to the present invention.
Figure 5 is a chart showing the aging of switchable functional elements when protected from UV radiation and short wavelength radiation in the visible range and protected.
6 is a graph showing the transmittance of the thermoplastic film of the prior art and the thermoplastic film of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 depicts a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of glazing according to the present invention having electrically switchable optical properties. Glazing includes one outer pane 1 and is intended for window glazing, for example a show window. The outer plate glass is made of soda lime glass.

The glazing further comprises a switchable functional element (4). The functional element 4 contains the active layer 5 between the outer flat electrode 6 and the inner flat electrode 7. The flat electrodes 6 and 7 are connected to an external power supply via a bus bar (not shown) and a connection cable (not shown). The functional element 4 is provided as a multilayer film 8 having an optically switchable optical characteristic in the manufacture of a composite sheet glass. The multilayer film 8 comprises a functional element 4 between the first carrier film 9 and the second carrier film 10. The carrier films 9 and 10 are made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and have a thickness of 0.125 mm. The functional element is, for example, an electrochromic functional element or an SPD functional element.

The first carrier film 9 is bonded to the outer pane glass via a thermoplastic film 12 made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB). The functional elements 4 are arranged on the inner side of the outer plate glass 1. [ This means that in the installed position the outer pane glass 1 is directed to the external environment and the multilayer film 8 is directed into the interior of the building. A luminescent material 3 having a concentration of about 3.9 kg / m 3 is contained in the thermoplastic film 12. The luminescent material (3) is diethyl-2,5-dihydroxyterephthalate.

Figure 2 depicts a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of glazing according to the present invention having electrically switchable optical properties. Glazing is a composite sheet glass. The composite sheet glass includes an outer sheet glass 1 bonded to the inner sheet glass 2 through the intermediate layer 11. [ The composite plate glass is provided as a component of the window glazing of the building, and at the installed position, the outer plate glass 1 is directed toward the outside environment and the inner pane glass 2 is arranged inside the building. The outer pane glass 1 and the inner pane pane 2 are made of soda lime glass and have a thickness of, for example, 1.6 mm.

A switchable functional element (4) is included in the intermediate layer (11). The functional element 4 is a PDLC functional element having, for example, an active layer 5 between an outer flat electrode 6 and an inner flat electrode 7. Alternatively, the functional element 4 may be, for example, an SPD functional element. The functional element 4 is arranged on the surface of the inner pane glass 2 facing the outer pane glass 1 and the edge region surrounding the periphery of the inner pane glass 2 is not provided with the functional element 4. [ The flat electrodes 6 and 7 are connected to an external power supply via a bus bar (not shown) and a connection cable (not shown). The flat electrodes 6 and 7 are made of indium tin oxide (ITO) and have a thickness of about 100 nm. The active layer 5 contains the liquid crystal contained in the polymer substrate. When voltages are applied to the flat electrodes 6 and 7, the liquid crystals align themselves in a common direction, and light scattering in the liquid crystal is reduced. Therefore, the optical characteristics of the active layer 5 can be electrically switched.

The intermediate layer 11 is formed by the thermoplastic film 12. The thermoplastic film 12 is made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) containing the light emitting material 3. The thermoplastic film 12 has a thickness of 0.76 mm, for example. The luminescent material (3) is diethyl-2,5-dihydroxyterephthalate. The luminescent material 3 has a concentration of about 3.9 kg / m 3 in the thermoplastic film 12.

In the edge region where the functional element 4 is not provided, the inner pane glass 2 is directly bonded to the outer pane glass 1 through the thermoplastic film 12. In this way, the functional element is protected from corrosion inside the intermediate layer 11.

Figure 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of glazing according to the present invention having electrically switchable optical properties. Glazing is a composite sheet glass. The composite sheet glass includes an outer sheet glass 1 bonded to the inner sheet glass 2 through the intermediate layer 11. [ The composite plate glass is provided as a roof panel of the motor vehicle, and arranged such that the outer pane glass 1 faces the outside environment and the inner pane glass 2 faces the inside of the vehicle at the installed position. The outer pane glass 1 and the inner pane pane 2 are made of soda lime glass and have a thickness of 2.1 mm.

A switchable functional element (4) is included in the intermediate layer (11). The functional element 4 is an SPD functional element having an active layer 5 between the outer flat electrode 6 and the inner flat electrode 7. The flat electrodes 6 and 7 are connected to an external power supply via a bus bar (not shown) and a connection cable (not shown). The flat electrodes 6 and 7 are made of indium tin oxide (ITO) and have a thickness of, for example, about 50 nm. The active layer 5 contains polarized particles floating in the resin. As a function of the voltage applied to the flat electrodes 6,7, the suspended particles align themselves along the common spatial direction. By the alignment of the particles, the absorption of visible light is reduced. Therefore, the transmittance of visible light through the composite sheet glass can be conveniently controlled electrically.

The functional element 4 is provided as a multilayer film 8 having an optically switchable optical characteristic in the manufacture of a composite sheet glass. The multi-layer film 8 comprises a functional film 4 between the first carrier film 9 and the second carrier film 10. The carrier films 9 and 10 are made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and have a thickness of 0.125 mm.

The multilayer film 8 is bonded to the inner pane glass 1 through the first thermoplastic film 12 and to the inner pane glass 2 through the second thermoplastic film 13. [ The first thermoplastic film 12 is made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) and has a thickness of 0.76 mm. The second thermoplastic film 13 is made of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and has a thickness of 0.38 mm. Thus, the intermediate layer 11 is laminated on the first thermoplastic film 12, the multilayer film 8 (the first carrier film 9, the outer flat electrode 6, the active layer 5, the inner flat electrode 9, A second carrier film 10), and a second thermoplastic film 13.

The luminescent material 3 is included in the first thermoplastic film 12. The thermoplastic film 12 has a thickness of 0.76 mm, for example. The luminescent material (3) is diethyl-2,5-dihydroxyterephthalate. The luminescent material 3 has a concentration of about 3.9 kg / m 3 in the thermoplastic film 12. With the luminescent material 3, the transmittance of the thermoplastic film 12 in the wavelength range of 380 nm to 410 nm is less than 10%.

Radiation components of sunlight passing through the composite sheet glass of the UV range and the short wavelength visible range are absorbed by the thermoplastic film 12, particularly radiation components having a wavelength of less than about 410 nm. Thus, this radiation component may not cause aging of the functional element 4, thereby advantageously increasing the long-term stability of the functional element 4. The radiation energy absorbed by the luminescent material 3 is again emitted to a larger wavelength. Compared with the use of conventional UV screening agents, this reduces the color change of light passing through the composite sheet glass and increases the transmittance of the composite sheet glass. The fact that the improved protection of the functional element 4 from aging is provided by the thermoplastic film 12 with the luminescent material has been unexpected and surprising to those skilled in the relevant art.

Figure 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of glazing according to the present invention having electrically switchable optical properties. Glazing is a composite sheet glass. The outer pane glass 1, the inner pane glass 2, the first thermoplastic film 12, the second thermoplastic film 13 and the multilayer film 8 are constructed as shown in Fig. The multilayer film 8 has a smaller surface area than the outer pane glass 1 and the inner pane glass 2 and does not provide the multilayer film 8 in the edge region surrounding the periphery of the composite pane. In this way, the multilayer film 8 does not extend to the side edges of the composite sheet glass. Thus, the multilayer film 8 is protected from corrosion in the region of the side edges by the films of the intermediate layer 11 advantageously without contacting the ambient atmosphere. In addition, the multilayer film 8 is provided with an edge seal 15 surrounding it. The edge seal 15 is embodied as a polyimide film which surrounds and surrounds the side edges of the multilayer film 8 and has carrier films 9, 10 by a few millimeters. The edge seal prevents diffusion of the plasticizers and other adhesive components of the thermoplastic films 12, 13 into the active layer 5, thereby reducing the aging of the functional element 4.

The barrier film 14 is arranged between the first thermoplastic film 12 having the luminescent material 3 and the multilayer film 8. The barrier film 14 is made of PET and prevents the diffusion of the light emitting material 3 from the first thermoplastic film 12 into the second thermoplastic film 13. In addition, the barrier film 14 is provided with an infrared protective coating (not shown). This protects the functional element 4 from aging due to the infrared component of sunlight.

Figure 5 shows a chart of the aging measurements for a composite sheet glass having electrically switchable optical properties. The composite plate glass was tested by a standardized Weather Resistance Tester (WOM) test. The composite plate glass was irradiated with a xenon arc lamp having a radiation simulating solar spectrum. The outer plate glass 1 was arranged facing the light source. After irradiation, the value of DELTA E was determined. The value of ΔE represents the change in brightness and color of the composite sheet glass, in particular the functional element (4) as a result of the WOM test. Thus, the value of DELTA E is a measure of the aging of the functional element 4. It is calculated as follows:

L ^* is the brightness value, and a ^* and b ^* are the color coordinates in the L ^* a ^* b ^* color space. Δ means the difference between the variables before and after the WOM test.

The value of DELTA E is determined for the embodiment according to the invention and for two comparative examples and is plotted as a function of the survey period in Fig. An embodiment according to the present invention was a composite plate glass according to Fig. A luminescent material (3) was contained in the first thermoplastic film (12). In Comparative Example 1, the first thermoplastic film 12 was different from the example. The thermoplastic film 12 in Comparative Example 1 was made of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), had a thickness of 0.38 mm, and contained no luminescent material 3. The composite sheet glass in Comparative Example 2 was constructed exactly the same as the composite sheet glass in Comparative Example 1. However, in Comparative Example 2, a non-transparent optical filter was arranged between the radiation source and the composite plate glass for UV radiation at the time of irradiation or for visible range radiation having a wavelength of less than 500 nm.

From Figure 5 it is clear that the protection of the composite sheet glass from the radiation of UV radiation and short wavelength visible range results in significantly less aging of the functional element 4. In all observations, the ΔE value in Comparative Example 2 is significantly lower than the ΔE value in Comparative Example 1. The value of DELTA E in the embodiment according to the present invention is on a line which is almost identical to the DELTA E value of the second comparative example. Thus, with the thermoplastic film according to the present invention (12) having the luminescent material (3), an equally effective protection is obtained from the radiation of the UV radiation and the short wavelength range as in the case of the optical filter. This result was unexpected and surprising to the technician in the field.

Fig. 6 shows the transmittance of the thermoplastic film 12 according to the present invention including the thermoplastic film made of EVA, the thermoplastic film made of PVB, and the luminescent material 3. The thermoplastic film 12 according to the present invention is made of PVB and contains diethyl-2,5-dihydroxyterephthalate as a luminescent material 3 at a concentration of about 3.9 kg / m3. Each thermoplastic film has a transmittance of about 0% for UV radiation below a certain wavelength. However, as the wavelength increases, the transmittance of the thermoplastic film increases to a maximum value of about 90%. If the thermoplastic film is arranged between the outer pane of glass 1 and the glazeable switchable functional element 4 having an optically switchable optical property, then the transmitted UV radiation as well as the radiation of the short wavelength visible range It causes aging. It is clear that films made of PVB transmit a shorter range of UV spectrum than films made of EVA. When the luminescent material is contained in the film, the radiation component transmitted in the UV range and in the short wavelength visible range is further reduced. Table 1 summarizes the transmittance of the films at 380 nm, 390 nm, 400 nm and 410 nm. Through the use of a PVB film having a luminescent material as the thermoplastic film 12 of glazing having electrically switchable optical characteristics, the aging of the convertible functional element 4 can be effectively reduced (see Fig. 5). This result was unexpected and surprising to technicians in the field.

Figure 7 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the present invention for producing glazes with electrically switchable optical properties. An exemplary embodiment produces a composite sheet glass according to FIG. First, the luminescent material (3) in the solvent is applied on the surface of the first thermoplastic film (12). The concentration of the luminescent material 3 on the thermoplastic film 12 is, for example, 3 g / m 2. The second thermoplastic film 13 is placed on the inner pane glass 2. The multi-layer film 8 is brought into electrical contact and placed on the second thermoplastic film 13. A first thermoplastic film (12) is placed on the multilayer film (8). The outer plate glass 1 is placed on the first thermoplastic film 12. The stack is then laminated under the action of temperature, pressure and / or vacuum to form a composite sheet glass.

1: Outer pane glass
2: inner plate glass
3: luminescent material
4: Functional element having an optically switchable optical characteristic
5: active layer of functional element (4)
6: outer flat electrode of functional element 4
7: inner flat electrode of functional element 4
8: multilayer film with electrically switchable optical properties
9: Carrier film of multilayer film (8)
10: carrier film of multilayer film (8)
11: Middle layer
12: Thermoplastic film
13: Thermoplastic film
14: barrier film
15:

Claims (15)

At least
- the outer pane glass (1), and
A convertible functional element (4) bonded in areal bond to the outer pane of glass (1) through at least one thermoplastic film (12)
Lt; / RTI >
Wherein the thermoplastic film (12) contains at least one luminescent material (3).
Glazing with electrically switchable optical properties. The glazing of claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic film (12) is free of UV blocker. 3. Glazing according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the functional element (4) contains at least one organic substance. 4. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional element (4) is arranged in face-to-face relationship between the two carrier films (9,10) and one of the carrier films (9,10) 12 to the outer pane glass (1). A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the barrier film (14) is arranged on the surface of the thermoplastic film (12) facing away from the outer pane of glass (1), and the barrier film is preferably at least polyethylene Glazing comprising phthalate (PET). 6. The thermoplastic film according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the thermoplastic film (12) contains at least ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and / or polyvinyl butyral (PVB) And the luminescent material (3) is preferably contained in the thermoplastic film (12). 7. The glazing according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the luminescent material (3) has an excitation maximum in the range of 350 nm to 450 nm, preferably 380 nm to 420 nm. The glazing according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the luminescent material (3) has an emission maximum in the range of 410 nm to 600 nm, preferably 430 nm to 500 nm. 9. The compound according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the luminescent material (3) is a compound represented by the formula R1-COO-Ph (OH) x-COO- R2 wherein R1 and R2 are alkyl having 1 to 10 C atoms Or an allyl radical, Ph is a phenyl ring, OH is a hydroxyl group bonded to the phenyl ring, and x is an integer from 1 to 4, preferably at least diethyl 2, Dihydroxyterephthalate. ≪ / RTI > 10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the thermoplastic film (12) contains a luminescent material (3) of 0.1 kg / m3 to 20 kg / m3, preferably 1 kg / m3 to 7 kg / Glazing is what you do. 11. The glazing according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the thermoplastic film (12) has a transmittance of 10% or less in a wavelength range of 380 nm to 410 nm. 12. Glazing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the functional element (4) is SPD, PDLC, electrochromic or electroluminescent functional element, preferably SPD functional element. 13. An electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that an outer plate glass (1) and an inner plate glass (2), in which functional elements (4) are arranged in face-to-face relationship between the outer pane glass (1) Glazing which is a composite sheet glass of. At least
a) applying at least one luminescent material (3) on the thermoplastic film (12) or incorporating it in the thermoplastic film (12)
b) arranging at least one outer pane of glass (1), thermoplastic film (12) and switchable functional element (4) in face-to-face engagement, one on top of the other,
c) coupling the functional element (4) to the outer pane of glass (1) through the thermoplastic film (12)
A method of manufacturing a glazing having an optically switchable optical characteristic. 13. Electrically switchable optical properties according to any one of claims 1 to 13 for protecting functional elements (4) convertible from radiation in the UV radiation and short wavelength visible range, in particular in the wavelength range from 380 nm to 410 nm Gt; (12) < / RTI > containing at least one luminescent material in a glaze having a < RTI ID = 0.0 >

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